The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Finland’s embassy in Yangon will close permanently on 28 February 2026 as part of a global network review. After the closure, consular assistance for Finnish nationals will transfer to the Bangkok embassy, while the German embassy in Yangon will represent Finland for Schengen-visa issuance.(scandasia.com)
The move affects Finnish expatriates, aid-project staff and Myanmar nationals applying for study, work or residence permits in Finland. Applicants must now travel to Bangkok or liaise with Germany’s mission for biometric capture and document submission, potentially lengthening processing times and increasing travel costs.(scandasia.com)
![Finland to shut Yangon embassy; Germany to handle Schengen visas for Myanmar residents]()
To navigate these new requirements more efficiently, VisaHQ can assist both Finnish nationals and Myanmar residents by arranging visa appointments, pre-screening documents and facilitating secure courier delivery, all through its user-friendly portal. You can explore their Finland-specific services at https://www.visahq.com/finland/
For global companies relocating talent from Myanmar to Finnish sites, the practical implication is a three-step process: obtain an appointment at the German embassy, await courier transfer of files to Bangkok for decision-making, and then coordinate return of passports. Mobility advisers recommend building at least two extra weeks into lead times and budgeting for regional flights.
Helsinki framed the closure as a cost-saving measure, but observers note that deteriorating security conditions in Myanmar and limited trade volumes also weighed on the decision. Finland will continue to support development programmes in education and vocational training through multilateral channels.
The move affects Finnish expatriates, aid-project staff and Myanmar nationals applying for study, work or residence permits in Finland. Applicants must now travel to Bangkok or liaise with Germany’s mission for biometric capture and document submission, potentially lengthening processing times and increasing travel costs.(scandasia.com)
To navigate these new requirements more efficiently, VisaHQ can assist both Finnish nationals and Myanmar residents by arranging visa appointments, pre-screening documents and facilitating secure courier delivery, all through its user-friendly portal. You can explore their Finland-specific services at https://www.visahq.com/finland/
For global companies relocating talent from Myanmar to Finnish sites, the practical implication is a three-step process: obtain an appointment at the German embassy, await courier transfer of files to Bangkok for decision-making, and then coordinate return of passports. Mobility advisers recommend building at least two extra weeks into lead times and budgeting for regional flights.
Helsinki framed the closure as a cost-saving measure, but observers note that deteriorating security conditions in Myanmar and limited trade volumes also weighed on the decision. Finland will continue to support development programmes in education and vocational training through multilateral channels.
